Ellen Lindsey, LCSW, LPC
1415 W. 51st, #1
Austin, Texas 78756 (map)

br> 512/ 663-9464
ellen@counselingaustin.com

Ellen Lindsey Offers...

Initial Consultation
Individual Counseling

Initial Consultation

I offer a free, initial twenty-minute consultation to adults seeking individual counseling. This is a chance to meet in person, get a feel for one another, and determine if we might make a good match. If you are seeking couples' counseling, feel free to contact me for referrals.

How to choose a therapist

Individual Counseling

My style of counseling can best be categorized as Talk Therapy. Within that context, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, self psychology, interpersonal emotional regulation through attunement, intrapersonal emotional regulation through mindfulness, focusing, and EMDR.

During the first session or two, with the client's therapy goals in mind, I take a detailed history. While some may doubt that our history plays an important role in who we are and how we experience life today, the truth is that our whole path of development has brought us precisely to this point. In psychotherapy, this approach of using a client's history to help them grow and heal has been developed under pshchodynamic theory. Understanding our history is one way of understanding ourselves. Drawing on this understanding in therapy is not a way to blame or make excuses, but rather to find wisdom.

Once I understand a client's background and family story, I take on a more interactive way of counseling. I usually start each session with something simple like "How are you?" and we go from there. I ask a lot of questions, based on whatever I'm curious about, and I give feedback. In this regard, I act as a sounding board. Beyond that, I use my insight and experience to help guide my clients toward a new way of being. I may recommend books, set up some "homework", or check in between sessions depending on my clients' needs. Throughout my work, I am developing strong relationships with my clients where they can feel safe and therefore delve into vulnerability, where they are regarded as experts in their own lives, where they are fully heard and understood, and where they can be challenged to take courageous steps toward change.

Currently, my rate for individual sessions is $110 per hour. Many counselors work on a 50-minute hour for each session, which is standard. I have found, though, that a full hour works better in my practice. We will normally meet at the same time each week.

I also offer bi-weekly sessions which gives some flexibility to people with tight schedules or limited budgets. I highly recommend that you begin with weekly sessions for at least the first month before switching to every other week. Relationship building is one of the most important aspects of therapy and that is difficult to do on a slow start.

The monthly fee for clients attending weekly hour-long sessions is $400. I am not on any insurance panels at this time, and therefore am offering a reduced rate for advance payments. If your insurance plans allow for out-of-network providers, I can fill out needed paper work for your reimbursal. Aside from the issue of insurance, there are many reasons I have chosen this type of payment plan.

My intention is to create a strong business that will support me and, in turn, support my clients. Healthy finances are critical to that. Monthly payments make my bookkeeping simple. (I'll support you in simplifying your life as well!)

Committing to therapy on a monthly basis will deepen your investment in yourself. Also, this type of plan puts your attendance completely in your hands. We will have a standing appointment on our calendar throughout the month. If you do not attend a session for any reason, by choice or by circumstance, you need only notify me. It is your time.